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Review
. 2021 Feb 25;8(1):8.
doi: 10.1186/s40673-021-00130-8.

Effect of stem cell treatment on functional recovery of spinocerebellar ataxia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Pablo Andrei Appelt  1 , Kristin Comella  2 , Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza  3 , Gustavo José Luvizutto  4
Affiliations
Review

Effect of stem cell treatment on functional recovery of spinocerebellar ataxia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Pablo Andrei Appelt et al. Cerebellum Ataxias. .

Abstract

Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease characterized by changes in balance, locomotion and motor coordination. Stem cell therapies are currently being investigated as an alternative to delay the evolution of the disease, and some experimental studies have investigated the effect of stem cell treatment on spinocerebellar ataxia.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to investigate whether the application of stem cells produced an effect on functional recovery in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia.

Methods: The studies included in this review investigated the efficacy and safety of a protocol for the application of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from umbilical cord and adipose tissue. Two studies used intrathecal route for application and one study used intravenous route.

Results: Studies have shown clinical improvement in the scores of the ICARS (International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale), ADL (Activities of Daily Living Scale), BBS (Berg Balance Scale) and SARA (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia), but lacked statistical significance.

Conclusions: There was low evidence for recommending stem cell therapy in individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia, and no statistical difference was observed for improving functional recovery of patients. Further studies are needed with different designs, largest sample sizes and placebo control, to fully understand anticipated outcomes of cellular therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia.

Keywords: Hereditary; Mesenchymal; Spinocerebellar ataxia; Stem cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart for article selection
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Meta-analysis of included studies (outcome: ICARS)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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